Vets Foundation Taking Shape

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A foundation being created to support veterans' events in the city is coming together.

City Council President Richard Clark says the foundation is being created as a by-product of council committee action that would cut city funding to pay for a Veterans Day parade.

"The city is still involved," said Clark, adding the foundation will assist the city in paying for the parade and other events like the Memorial Day service at the Memorial Wall.

Clark says private commitments are pouring in to support the foundation.

"It's what happens when government gets out of the way. We get out of the way, what we had earmarked as $40,000 now has $140,000. We owe it to our veterans to honor them," said Clark.

Within the next few weeks, the Council President says more details will be unveiled about the foundation.

The city's Special Events Department says planning is in full swing for this year's parade that will be part of "Valor Week."

The Veterans Day parade will end a week-long celebration that includes the Jacksonville Sea and Sky Spectacular that will be held November 6-8 in Jacksonville Beach.

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